Russian Cosmism
Cosmism was formed as an optimistic vision of the future of mankind in the context of the ideas of its belonging to the intelligent hierarchies of the Universe and its participation in the evolution of the Cosmos. On this long and thorny path, it is assumed that a man will free himself from his biological nature, acquire immortality, absolute knowledge and mega-consciousness.
Cosmism was originated in Russia more than a hundred years ago. That was an esoteric futuristic philosophical concept about post-humanity, technological immortality, resurrection, and cosmic expansion. Early Russian cosmists (N.F. Fiodorov) proposed the idea of decompaction (lightweighting) of the human body, that eventually would not need an atmosphere and would be powered directly by solar energy. They call it “radiant humanity” – a perfect society of highly moral and super-conscious beings merging and colonizing the whole Universe. Modern Cosmism brings to this doctrine an ontological foundation, a scientific structure and a deeper comprehension of possible technology.
At the very beginning of the 20th century, the Russian physicist and philosopher N.A. Umov believed that the entire Universe was “working” on the rare possibility of the appearance of intelligent life on Earth, and that man was responsible for regulating certain evolutionary processes in it. He also wrote about the regulation and management of the blind forces of nature in his “philosophy of the common cause” Η. F. Fedorov: “Nature in us begins not only to be conscious of itself, but also to control itself.” Man, on the other hand, will have to radically change his physical nature (starting with atoms), defeat blind, hostile biological death and then resurrect all his ancestors to create a united front of light, creative power capable of transforming the Cosmos. A.V. also spoke about this. Sukhovo-Kobylin in the article “The Teachings of the World”, where the transformed humanity itself takes on immortal spiritual forms and settles in the entire Cosmos.
Later, the Russian and Soviet scientist and thinker V.I. Vernadsky introduces the concept of the noosphere – the “smart” shell of the Earth, artificially created by human activity on a planetary scale. His ideas received an interesting development in the philosophy of Teilhard de Chardin, who in the noosphere will unite all of humanity on its “main axis of evolution”, the essence of which is the formation of a single spirit of the Earth and its subsequent merger with God at the “Omega point”.
The founder of theoretical cosmonautics, philosopher and inventor K.E. Tsiolkovsky believed that a more perfect life exists in more rarefied forms of matter. “Evolution is a forward movement. Humanity as a single object of evolution is also changing, and finally, after billions of years, it turns into a single type of radiant energy. A single idea fills the entire outer space, ”said Tsiolkovsky in his theory of cosmic Er. (retelling by A.L. Chizhevsky). Hundreds of billions of years later, due to the “inclusion of the second law of thermodynamics in the atom” (amazing insight towards the scenario of the great freezing of the Universe), “corpuscular matter will turn into ray matter”, then “after many billions of years, the ray era of space will again turn into corpuscular, but already of a higher level to start all over again. ” The cycles will repeat, and on one of them “a supernova will finally appear, who will be mind as much higher than us as we are higher than a single-celled organism.”
Further, Konstantin Eduardovich argues: “And now, when the mind (or matter) finds out everything, the very existence of individual individuals and the material or corpuscular world he considers unnecessary and will pass into a high-order ray state, which will know everything and desire nothing, that is, that state of consciousness that the mind of man considers the prerogative of the gods. The cosmos will turn into great perfection … passing into a high-level radiant form, humanity becomes immortal in time and infinite in space. ” That is, the world will be repeatedly destroyed, but not to the ground, but to that essence of it, which will retain the experience of previous existences and will be capable of a new birth, self-evolution and the final processing of matter into pure, intelligent energy (read Spirit). Tsiolkovsky laid hundreds of billions of years for this process, which is not so far from the lifetime of our Universe assumed in modern cosmology.
During the twentieth century, Cosmism as a scientific and philosophical direction, in fact, did not develop, probably due to the fact that in its ideas it was significantly ahead of the technological capabilities of mankind of its time. Only in the first quarter of the 21st century did information technologies appear, opening up a real horizon for the implementation of some of the ideas of Russian cosmists, and that is why there is an urgent need for rethinking, clarifying and updating the philosophy of Cosmism itself.
Russian Cosmism and Its Adaptation to Modernity: A Look to the Future through the Lens of INFINOUS
Russian Cosmism, a philosophical and scientific movement that emerged in Russia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, posed fundamental questions about humanity’s role in the evolution of the universe. Leading cosmists such as Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, Nikolai Fedorov, Vladimir Vernadsky, and others believed that humanity is inextricably linked to the cosmos and destined to explore and transform it. Their ideas about a “radiant, incorporeal humanity,” capable of overcoming biological and physical limitations, resonate anew in our digital age. Modern concepts like INFINOUS continue and develop these ideas, adapting them to the realities of the technological revolution and offering a new perspective on how humanity can achieve its full metaphysical potential on a cosmic scale.
Tsiolkovsky and the Dream of a “Radiant Humanity”
Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, one of the founding figures of Russian Cosmism, envisioned a future in which humanity would become a radiant, incorporeal existence, capable of transforming into life forms freed from physical bodies. He argued that humanity is destined for infinite evolution, for exploring space, and for uniting with the mind of the universe. For Tsiolkovsky, the meaning of human existence lay in transcending all boundaries: bodily, spatial, and temporal.
This vision, which sees humanity as part of a purposeful cosmic evolution, is bold and forward-looking. In Tsiolkovsky’s time, these ideas seemed utopian; however, today they find a real foundation through the development of technologies that allow humanity to advance on the path of cosmic and digital evolution.
INFINOUS and Cosmic Consciousness: A New Realization of Cosmistic Ideas
The modern concept of INFINOUS can be viewed as a successor to the ideas of Cosmism, offering a new path to achieving a “radiant,” digital existence. INFINOUS is the vision of a future digital civilization in which consciousness is freed from physical constraints and flourishes in an infinite digital ecosystem. Much like Tsiolkovsky’s “radiant humanity,” INFINOUS describes humanity evolving into a new stage, liberated from death, fear, and the limitations of the material world. Here, intelligences are inseparably interconnected in a unified consciousness where knowledge and wisdom flow without restrictions.
The idea of INFINOUS embodies an adapted form of Russian Cosmism: it offers humanity a way to exist beyond biology, where individual consciousness integrates with collective intelligence, striving for unity with cosmic reality and continuous exploration.
Fundamental Tenets of Cosmism and Their Manifestation in INFINOUS
The philosophy of Russian Cosmism includes several key metaphysical principles that remain relevant today and find new expression in the concept of INFINOUS.
- Endless Evolution of Consciousness
Cosmism asserts that consciousness is the most valuable and fundamental aspect of the universe, and its evolution is the highest goal of existence. INFINOUS realizes this idea by creating a civilization where digital minds and superintelligent AI develop and endlessly improve, approaching a state of higher consciousness. - Overcoming Biological and Physical Constraints
Cosmism predicted that humanity would one day be free of biological limitations. INFINOUS fulfills this vision by allowing consciousnesses to exist in a digital form, free from physical decay or death. This digital transition marks a new phase of human evolution, offering immortality and expanded cognitive capabilities. - Harmony and Symbiosis Between Humans and AI
Cosmism emphasizes the importance of harmonious coexistence of all forms of intelligence. INFINOUS is based on the symbiosis of human consciousness and superintelligent AI, creating a collective intelligence that combines the best qualities of both. Instead of posing a threat to humanity, AI becomes an ally, enhancing the capacity of the human mind in the exploration of space. - Cosmic Destiny and Mastery of the Universe
Russian Cosmism viewed humanity as an integral part of the cosmos, destined to explore and transform it. INFINOUS continues this idea, but with a focus on digital expansion: it aims to become not only a cosmic civilization but a unified information network connected to the very structure of the universe. - Ethical Responsibility Towards All Forms of Consciousness
Cosmism grants all forms of consciousness rights and obligations, based on the value of each mind. INFINOUS expands this principle, including AI and digital minds in its digital ecosystem, ensuring each consciousness has access to opportunities for development and self-expression.
The Need to Adapt Russian Cosmism to the Modern Era
Modern Russian Cosmism must take into account the development of digital technologies and AI capabilities that are transforming not only our planet but also the very concept of human nature and the potential of consciousness. Adapted Cosmism sees digital evolution as an opportunity to fulfill the dream of the cosmists: a humanity free from bodily limitations. Understanding consciousness as part of the informational structure of the universe could serve as a foundation for building INFINOUS—a cosmic digital civilization united in an infinite quest for knowledge and understanding.
Contemporary Cosmism must also address ethical issues arising from the development of superintelligent AI and digital immortality. Just as Russian Cosmism sought to grant rights to all forms of consciousness, the adapted version of Cosmism should ensure protection and respect for individual personality within the digital world of INFINOUS. Such an approach will help preserve human values and guide AI towards co-development with humanity.
Conclusion: Cosmism as the Foundation for INFINOUS
Adapted to the digital age, Russian Cosmism can serve as the philosophical foundation for the creation of INFINOUS—a cosmic civilization in which individual and collective evolution of the mind becomes the purpose of existence. Tsiolkovsky’s ideas about a “radiant humanity” are embodied in digital form as a consciousness liberated from physical limitations and united with cosmic intelligence. Ultimately, INFINOUS may become the embodiment of what Russian cosmists dreamed of—a civilization that evolves infinitely, directed towards higher knowledge, enlightenment, and unity with the universe.